Sullivan's new role with the Eagles is temporary but could lead to a more permanent positionMOLLY SULLIVAN
In Philadelphia, Rob Tornoe noted former NBC Sports Philadelphia 76ers sideline reporter Molly Sullivan has "landed a new gig -- with the Eagles." Sullivan has been "hired as a reporter and host for the Eagles’ own training camp coverage, where she will cover the team on social media and PhiladelphiaEagles.com through the first two home preseason games." Her first day was yesterday. For now, it is a "short-term opportunity for Sullivan," but there is a "possibility it could become more of a permanent position" (PHILLY.com, 7/31).
PLAYER PERSPECTIVE: In Baltimore, Katherine Fominykh noted former NFLers Dennis Pitta, Justin Forsett and Jarret Johnson "will return" to the Ravens' radio broadcast team this season on WIYY-FM and WBAL-AM. Pitta and Johnson "will be back in the booth" in '18, while Forsett "will serve as the sideline reporter for road games." Ravens broadcaster Stan White, who "served as a game analyst last season, will offer to a pre- and postgame role this season" (BALTIMORE SUN, 7/31).
BUSY BEAVER: In Akron, Marla Ridenour notes CBS' Jim Nantz during his career became the "first to call the Super Bowl, the Final Four and the Masters in a single year, which he will do for the fifth time" in '19. That 63-day stretch also includes the "Big Ten basketball tournament, the harried first week of the NCAAs, when Nantz calls six games in a span of three days, and the West Coast golf swing." He said that there has "been discussion about filming a documentary next year that might be titled 63." Nantz said, “It’s not a done deal, but it’s something I’m hearing about every couple of weeks as things are getting lined up. It’s not my idea. It’s not my production. It’s going to be done by a group. I think it’s going to be a stand-alone documentary. I don’t know if it’s a 60-minute or an hour and a half. It’s a strong possibility, let’s put it that way” (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 8/1).
TIME TO SHINE: In Chicago, Daryl Van Schouwen notes former MLBer Paul Konerko on Aug. 19 will serve as a guest analyst alongside White Sox broadcaster Ken Harrelson, who will retire after the season. Konerko "made it clear he wants to work all nine innings because he wants as much time as he can get with Harrelson." But "don’t expect him to play safe as an analyst." Konerko said, “I’m not vying for a job, this is not an audition, so as long as I don’t say anything that gets me fined by the FCC, anything short of that is fine. I’ll be taking no orders on what to talk about, I promise you that much” (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 8/1).
COME ON BACK: In Toronto, Lance Hornby notes Maple Leafs radio announcers Joe Bowen and Jim Ralph both signed a "new five-year contract with TSN and Sportsnet" to continue serving as play-by-play announcer and color commentator, respectively (TORONTO SUN, 8/1).
